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Senior transportation changes in
Logan County
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Funds
cut to CIEDC program
Alternative fee transportation available to medical appointments
[September 11, 2007]
On Monday, CIEDC announced that a primary
funding source for the senior transportation program, Area Agency on
Aging for Lincolnland, is seeking a new provider for senior
transportation services. The current program year ends on Oct. 1,
which means that the senior transportation program will finish its
last day serving clients at the current level of services on Sept.
28. Participants and affected businesses have been notified.
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 Although CIEDC submitted a grant to provide the service in both
Logan and Mason counties, it was not awarded during the application
process. CIEDC acknowledges concerns regarding the originally
submitted grant application but corrected those concerns and
submitted an unsolicited grant application in an effort to maintain
the current level of services in Logan and Mason counties. The
revised application was received by the funding source's board of
directors. However, the board of directors decided not to review the
revised application.CIEDC has been notified that another provider
is being solicited to provide transportation services in Logan and
Mason counties. Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland has not yet
named the replacement.
"We are both saddened and disappointed to see this program change
so drastically after over 30 years," said Steve Lobb, president of
the CIEDC governing board. "While the senior transportation program
has been a financially demanding program to the agency, we had not
given up on providing the service to the area, because we know that
so many seniors and their families depend on the service."
The board has chosen to attempt a pilot program in Logan County
to provide some form of transportation to area seniors. CIEDC
currently works with local nursing homes to transport residents.
That service will continue, but the fee has been raised from $5 to
$7 per round trip. As available, drivers will also make efforts to
provide transportation for seniors age 60 or over to medical
appointments for the same fee.
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"Thanks to support from the United Way of Logan County, the Logan
County Board and the public through fundraisers, we hope to continue
to provide services to Logan County residents," Lobb said.
"Unfortunately, we now have to charge a fee to cover necessary
costs. A recent contribution from Eaton has also been an important
factor in our ability to attempt this pilot project. Sadly, due to
financial and logistical constraints, Mason County services must be
eliminated at this time."
CIEDC continues to provide several services to seniors.
"Seniors need to know that we are still here to help with several
services, including senior meal delivery, senior congregate meal
sites, in-home senior care provider services and Medicare Part
D/Illinois Cares Rx outreach," said Angela Stoltzenburg, CIEDC
executive director. "We also service seniors with our utility
assistance, weatherization and food pantry services. We also
anticipate opening several new social dining options for seniors in
the coming weeks and months."
[Text from file received from Central Illinois Economic Development
Corp.]
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